Vehicle door hinge structure

ABSTRACT

A vehicle door hinge structure includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a hinge arm and a compressible check structure. The hinge arm has a first end that s attached to the first bracket for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis. The second bracket is attached to a second end of the hinge arm for pivoting movement about a second pivot axis. The compressible check structure is fixed in position to the first bracket. The compressible check structure is adjacent to and spaced apart from a stop surface of the first bracket. The compressible check structure extends upward away from a surface of the first bracket in an uncompressed state. However, a movement limiting surface of the hinge arm contacts and compresses the compressible check structure during a portion of movement of the hinge arm.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vehicle door hingestructure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a checkstructure that retains a vehicle door in a fully open position.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A vehicle door can include a check structure that assists in retainingthe door in one or more open positions after the door is moved from aclosed position to an open position. Typically, the check structureincludes a movement restricting mechanism that applies a force on thedoor to keep the door in one or more predetermined positions whenopened. However, such check structures are not usually effective in allcircumstances, such as when the vehicle is parked on a hill where theforce of gravity can sometimes be sufficient to overcome the force ofthe check structure, thereby urging the door back to the closedposition.

SUMMARY

One object of the disclosure is to provide a vehicle door with a checkstructure that retains the vehicle door in an open position withsufficient force such that the vehicle door can only be moved out of theopen position by a predetermined level of force, such as force appliedby a vehicle operator to the vehicle door.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a vehicle door hinge structure with a firstbracket, a hinge arm, a second bracket and a compressible checkstructure. The first bracket has a first surface that extends in a firstdirection and a stop surface extends in a second direction transverse tothe first direction. The hinge arm has a first end, a second end and abody portion extending from the first end to the second end. The firstend is attached to the first bracket for pivoting movement about a firstpivot axis that extends through the first surface of the first bracketsuch that the hinge arm pivots relative to the first bracket from afirst position to a second position. The body portion of the hinge armhas a movement limiting surface that is spaced apart from the firstsurface by a first predetermined distance. The second bracket isattached to the second end of the hinge arm for pivoting movement abouta second pivot axis that extends through the second bracket and thesecond end of the hinge arm. The second bracket pivots relative to thesecond end of the hinge arm. The compressible check structure is fixedin position along a portion of the first surface of the first bracket.The compressible check structure is adjacent to and spaced apart fromthe stop surface of the first bracket. The compressible check structureextends away from the first surface in an uncompressed state by a secondpredetermined distance that is greater than the first predetermineddistance. The movement limiting surface the hinge arm contacts andcompresses the compressible check structure during a portion of movementof the hinge arm between the first position and the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle showing a door in a closed position,the door being supported by a hinge structure that includes a checkstructure in accordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is another side view of the vehicle showing the door in anintermediate open position in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is another side view of the vehicle similar to FIG. 2 showing thedoor in a fully open position exposing the hinge structure in accordancewith the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion the vehicle taken alongthe line 4-4 in FIG. 3, showing the hinge structure attached to thevehicle and to the door in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of the hinge structure removed from thevehicle showing a body bracket, a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm, adoor bracket and the check structure in accordance with the firstembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the hinge structure with the body bracket, thefirst and second hinge arms and the door bracket shown in a closedposition corresponding to the position of the door as shown in FIG. 1,in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is another top view of the hinge structure with the body bracket,the first and second hinge arms and the door bracket shown in anintermediate position, in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is yet another top view of the hinge structure with the bodybracket, the first and second hinge arms and the door bracket shown inthe intermediate position corresponding to the position of the door asshown in FIG. 2, in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is still another top view of the hinge structure with the bodybracket, the first and second hinge arms and the door bracket shown inthe fully open position corresponding to the position of the door asshown in FIG. 3, in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the hinge structure shown in the closedposition corresponding to the depiction in FIG. 6 in accordance with thefirst embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the hinge structuretaken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 10, showing a pivot axis about whichthe second hinge arm pivots relative to the body bracket and a pivotaxis about which the door bracket pivots relative to the second hingearm in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional view of a portion of the hingestructure taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 10, showing a pivot axisabout which the first hinge arm pivots relative to the body bracket anda pivot axis about which the door bracket pivots relative to the firsthinge arm in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view of the hinge structure showing aportion of the hinge structure depicted in FIG. 12 showing details ofthe check structure including a clip member and a bracket pin inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the first hinge armshowing a clip aperture dimensioned to receive a portion of the clipmember in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the clip member shown removed from thehinge structure in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the clip member shown removed from the hingestructure in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the clip member shown removed from the hingestructure in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of the hinge structure showingthe first and second hinge arms and the door bracket in the intermediateposition corresponding to the position of the hinge structure in FIG. 8(corresponding to the depiction of the door in FIG. 2) with the clipmember of the check structure snap-fitted to the bracket pin, inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is another enlarged view of a portion of the hinge structureshowing the first and second hinge arms and the door bracket in thefully open position corresponding to the position of the hinge structurein FIG. 8 (corresponding to the depiction of the door in FIG. 3) withthe clip member of the check structure spaced apart from the bracketpin, in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a hinge structure having a bodybracket, a hinge arm with a door bracket rigidly fixed thereto and acheck structure that includes a clip member fixed to the hinge arm and abracket pin fixed to the body bracket in accordance with a secondembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge structure depicted inFIG. 20 showing the clip member of the check structure fixed to thehinge arm and the bracket pin fixed to the body bracket in accordancewith the second embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a hinge structure having a bodybracket, a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm, a door bracket and acheck structure in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the hinge structureshowing a compressible member of the check structure installed to thebody bracket in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the portion of the hingestructure showing the compressible member of the check structureinstalled to the body bracket in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the compressible member of the checkstructure shown removed from the hinge structure in accordance with thethird embodiment;

FIG. 26 is a first side view of the compressible member of the checkstructure shown removed from the hinge structure in accordance with thethird embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a second side view of the compressible member of the checkstructure shown removed from the hinge structure in accordance with thethird embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a side view of a portion of the hinge structure showing oneof the hinge arms in a location corresponding to the intermediateposition (FIG. 2) with the hinge arm being spaced apart from thecompressible member of the check structure in accordance with the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 29 is another side view of the portion of the hinge structuredepicted in FIG. 28 showing the hinge arm in a location between theintermediate position (FIG. 2) and the fully open position (FIG. 3) withthe hinge arm compressing the compressible member of the check structurein accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 30 is yet another side view of the portion of the hinge structuredepicted in FIGS. 28 and 29 showing the hinge arm in a location betweenthe compressible member and a surface of a support portion of the bodybracket, the position of the hinge arm corresponding to the fully openposition (FIG. 3) with the hinge arm being retained in the fully openposition by the compressible member of the check structure in accordancewith the third embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side view of a portion of a hinge structure identical tothat depicted in FIGS. 22-30 except that a second compressible memberhas been added showing the hinge arm in a location corresponding to afirst open position with the hinge arm being located on a first side ofthe second compressible member and spaced apart from the compressiblemember of the check structure in accordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 32 is another side view of the portion of the hinge structuredepicted in FIG. 31 showing the hinge arm in a location between thefirst open position and the fully open position between the compressiblemember and the second compressible member in accordance with the fourthembodiment;

FIG. 33 is yet another side view of the portion of the hinge structuredepicted in FIGS. 31 and 32 showing the hinge arm in a location betweenthe compressible member and the surface of a support portion of the bodybracket, the position of the hinge arm corresponding to the fully openposition (FIG. 3) with the hinge arm being retained in the fully openposition by the compressible member of the check structure in accordancewith the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a side view of a hinge structure similar to that depicted inFIG. 10, having a body bracket, a first hinge arm, a second hinge arm, adoor bracket and a check structure, the body bracket, the first andsecond hinge arms and the door bracket being similar to the firstembodiment, with the check structure having a compressible member thatis installed to the door bracket in accordance with a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a hinge structure similar to thatdepicted in FIG. 20, having a body bracket, a hinge arm with a doorbracket rigidly fixed thereto and a check structure that includes acompressible member installed to the body bracket in accordance with asixth embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a hinge structure similar to thatdepicted in FIGS. 20 and 35, having a body bracket, a hinge arm with adoor bracket rigidly fixed thereto and a hydraulic check structureinstalled to the body bracket in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a hinge structure similar to thatdepicted in FIGS. 20 and 35, having a body bracket, a hinge arm with adoor bracket rigidly fixed thereto and a hydraulic check structureinstalled to the body bracket in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a portion of the hinge structuredepicted in FIG. 36, showing the hydraulic check structure incross-section in accordance with a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the hingestructure showing the various elements of the hydraulic check structureincluding a casing and a shaft with a fluid resistance paddle inaccordance with the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the hydraulic check structure showingdetails of the casing and the shaft in accordance with the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the internalcomponents of the hydraulic check structure showing the shaft and thefluid resistance paddle is a position corresponding to a fully openposition (FIG. 3) in accordance with the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 41 is another schematic cross-sectional top view of the internalcomponents of the hydraulic check structure similar to FIG. 40 showingthe shaft and the fluid resistance paddle is a position corresponding toan intermediate position (FIG. 2) in accordance with the seventhembodiment;

FIG. 42 is yet another schematic cross-sectional top view of theinternal components of the hydraulic check structure with the shaft andthe fluid resistance paddle is a position corresponding to a closedposition (FIG. 1) in accordance with the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a hinge structure having a body bracketand a door bracket pivotally connected to one another with the hydrauliccheck structure attached to the body bracket in accordance with aneighth embodiment; and

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a hinge structure having a body bracketand a door bracket pivotally connected to one another with the hydrauliccheck structure attached to the body bracket in accordance with a ninthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1-3, a vehicle 10 that includes a door 12and a door opening 13. The door 12 is configured to open, exposing thedoor opening 13, and close, covering the door opening 13. The door 12 isfurther configured such that, in a closed position, an outer surface 14of the door 12 conforms to and aligns with an outer surface 16 of thevehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 1. In a fully open position, the outersurface 14 of the door 12 faces and overlays a portion of the outersurface 16 of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 shows the door12 in an intermediate position and FIG. 3 shows the door 12 in a fullyopen position, with the outer surface 14 of the door 12 overlaying andcovering a portion of the outer surface 16 of the vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 is depicted as a pickup truck having a plurality ofdoors. However, it should be understood from the drawings and thedescription below, that the vehicle 10 can be any of a variety ofvehicles, such as a van, a sports utility vehicle, a commercial van or apassenger vehicle such as a sedan or a coupe. Further the door 12 can bea front door, rear door, back door or any hinged door of such vehiclesand is not limited to the back door depicted in FIG. 1-3. Morespecifically, the hinge structures described herein below, can be usedon any vehicle closure panel that pivots about an axis between a closedposition and an open position.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the door 12 is supported to the vehicle 10for pivoting movement by hinge structures 20. As shown in FIG. 3, therecan be two hinge structures 20 supporting the door 12. FIG. 4 is a topview of one of the hinge structures 20, described in greater detailbelow. The hinge structure 20 is configured allow the door 12 to movealong an arcuate path between the fully open position and the closedposition with an angular movement range of approximately 170 degrees.The hinge structure 20 includes a check structure 22 that restrictsmovement of the door 12 when the door 12 is moved to the fully openposition, as is described in greater detail below. In the depictedembodiment, only one of the hinge structures 20 includes the checkstructure 22 in a manner described further below. However, it should beunderstood from the drawings and the description herein that both hingestructures 20 can be equipped with the check structure 22.

Before describing the check structure 22, a description of one of thehinge structures 20 is provided with specific reference to FIGS. 3-11.Since the hinge structures 20 are basically the same, description ofonly one of the hinge structures 20 is included for the sake of brevity.

As shown in FIG. 5, the hinge structure 20 includes a body bracket 30, adoor bracket 32, a first hinge arm 34, a second hinge arm 36, anoptional primary check structure 38 and the check structure 22. As shownin FIGS. 5 and 6, the first hinge arm 34 defines a lengthwise directionD_(L), a widthwise direction D_(W) and a height-wise direction D_(H)(FIG. 5 only).

The body bracket 30 includes lower attachment flange 30 a, lower plate30 b, a mid-plate 30 c, a top plate 30 d and an upper flange 30 e. Thelower attachment flange 30 a and the upper attachment flange 30 e areconfigured to receive mechanical fasteners for the purpose of securelyattaching the body bracket 30 to the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the bodybracket 30 can be welded to the vehicle 10. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the bodybracket 30 is shown fixedly attached to a pillar structure of thevehicle 10 in a conventional manner. When installed to the vehicle 10,the lower attachment flange 30 a and the upper attachment flange 30 eare upright and extend in a vertical direction.

The lower plate 30 b, the mid-plate 30 c and the top plate 30 d are allhorizontally oriented and are preferably parallel to one another. Thelower plate 30 b, the mid-plate 30 c and the top plate 30 d are allrigidly connected to one another via support portions 30 f and 30 g ofthe body bracket 30, as shown in FIG. 5.

The lower attachment flange 30 a, the lower plate 30 b, the mid-plate 30c, the top plate 30 d, the upper flange 30 e and support portions 30 fand 30 g are preferably made of a metallic material such as hardenedsteel but can alternatively be made of other metal materials.Combinations of the lower attachment flange 30 a, the lower plate 30 b,the mid-plate 30 c, the top plate 30 d, the upper flange 30 e andsupport portions 30 f and 30 g can be stamped from a single sheet ofmetal with remaining portions being welded in place as shown in FIG. 5.

The door bracket 32 includes a main portion 32 a, a lower plate 32 b, amid-plate 32 c and an upper plate 32 d. The main portion 32 a is agenerally flat portion of the door bracket 32 and is configured toreceive mechanical fasteners for the purpose of securely attaching thedoor bracket 32 to the door 12. Alternatively, the door bracket 32 canbe welded to the door 12. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the door bracket 32 is shownfixedly attached to the door 12 of the vehicle 10 in a conventionalmanner. When installed to door 12 of the vehicle 10, the main portion 32a is upright and extends in a vertical direction.

The lower plate 32 b, the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate 32 d areall horizontally extending portions of the door bracket 32 with the doorbracket 32 installed to the door 12 and the door 12 installed to thevehicle 10. The lower plate 32 b, the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate32 d are fixedly attached to the main portion 32 a. More specifically,the lower plate 32 b, the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate 32 d can beunitarily formed with the main portion 32 a or can be welded thereto.The lower plate 32 b, the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate 32 d arespaced apart from one another.

The door bracket 32 is preferably made of a metallic material such ashardened steel but can alternatively be made of other metal materials.

The first hinge arm 34 has a curved or gooseneck shape and is alsoreferred to herein below as a gooseneck member. The first hinge arm 34is shaped such that with respective pivoting ranges relative to the bodybracket 30 and the door bracket 32, the first hinge arm 34 provides thedoor 12 with freedom to move from the closed position (FIG. 1) to thefully open position with a pivoting range of approximately 170 degrees,as is described in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first hinge arm 34 has a first end 34 a, a mainsection 34 b and a second end 34 c. The first end 34 a is attached tothe body bracket 30 for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis A₁.The first pivot axis A₁ extends through the body bracket 30 such thatthe first hinge arm 34 pivots relative to the body bracket 30 with apivoting range represented by an angle α₁. The first pivot axis A₁ isdefined by a pivot pin P₁. The pivot pin P₁ extends through aperturesformed in the mid-plate 30 c and the top plate 30 d. Specifically, thepivot pin P₁ extends through the mid-plate 30 c and the top plate 30 dand is restrained against movement in an axial direction by, forexample, fasteners or C-clips (not shown) in a conventional manner. Asshown in FIG. 12, the pivoting range represented by the angle α₁ isapproximately 100 degrees.

The second end 34 c of the first hinge arm 34 is attached to the doorbracket 32 for pivoting movement about a second pivot axis A₂. Thesecond pivot axis A₂ extends through the door bracket 32 such that thefirst hinge arm 34 pivots relative to the door bracket 32 with apivoting range represented by an angle α₂. The second pivot axis A₂ isdefined by a pivot pin P₂. The pivot pin P₂ extends through aperturesformed in the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate 32 d. Specifically, thepivot pin P₁ extends through the mid-plate 30 c and the top plate 32 dand is restrained against movement in an axial direction by, forexample, fasteners or C-clips (not shown) in a conventional manner. Asshown in FIG. 12, the pivoting range represented by the angle α₂ isapproximately 70 degrees. The actual pivoting ranges represented by theangles α₁ and α₂ can vary from vehicle to vehicle and hinge structure tohinge structure. However, in the depicted embodiment of the hingestructure 20, the angles α₁ and α₂ when combined provide the hingestructure 20 and the door 12 with an overall pivoting range ofapproximately 170 degrees from the closed position of the door 12 to theopen position of the door 12.

As shown in FIG. 13, the main section 34 b of the first hinge arm 34 hasa first side 34 d and a second side 34 e. In the first embodiment, themain section 34 b includes a clip aperture 34 f that extends from thefirst side 34 d to the second side 34 e. Specifically, the clip aperture34 f extends in the widthwise direction D_(W) of the first hinge arm 34.The clip aperture 34 f is located proximate the second end 34 c of thefirst hinge arm 34. As shown in FIG. 14, the clip aperture 34 f has afirst height H₁ in a vertical direction (relative to the vehicle 10).The main section 34 b of the first hinge arm 34 has an overall thicknessT₁ in the vertical direction that is several times the size of the firstheight H₁. Specifically, the overall thickness T₁ is more than twice thesize of the first height H₁. Further, the clip aperture 34 f iscentrally located relative to the overall thickness T₁ of the firsthinge arm 34. Above the clip aperture 34 f, the adjacent portion of themain section 34 b of the first hinge arm 34 has a thickness T₂ and belowthe clip aperture 34 f, the adjacent portion of the main section 34 b ofthe first hinge arm 34 has a thickness T₃. In the depicted embodiment,the thickness T₂ is equal to the thickness 13. Further, in the depictedembodiment each of the thicknesses T₂ and T₃ is equal to or greater thanthe first height H₁ of the clip aperture 34 f. The clip aperture 34 falso has a width W₁, as shown in FIG. 14.

The second hinge arm 36 has a curved or gooseneck shape similar to thefirst hinge arm 34, and is also referred to herein below as a gooseneckmember. The second hinge arm 36 is shaped such that with respectivepivoting ranges relative to the body bracket 30 and the door bracket 32,the first hinge arm 34 and the second hinge arm 36 provide the door 12with freedom to move from the closed position (FIG. 1) to the fully openposition with a pivoting range of approximately 170 degrees, as isdescribed in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 11, second hinge arm 36 has a first end 36 a, a mainsection 36 b and a second end 36 c. The first end 36 a is attached tothe body bracket 30 for pivoting movement about a third pivot axis A₃.The third pivot axis A₃ extends through the body bracket 30 such thatthe second hinge arm 36 pivots relative to the body bracket 30 with apivoting range represented by an angle α₃. The third pivot axis A₃ isdefined by a pivot pin P₃. The pivot pin P₃ extends through aperturesformed in the lower plate 30 b and the mid-plate 30 c. Specifically, thepivot pin P₃ extends through the lower plate 30 b and the mid-plate 30 cand is restrained against movement in an axial direction by, forexample, fasteners or C-clips (not shown) in a conventional manner. Asshown in FIG. 11, the pivoting range represented by the angle α₃ isapproximately 100 degrees.

The second end 36 c of the second hinge arm 36 is attached to the doorbracket 32 for pivoting movement about a fourth pivot axis A₄. Thefourth pivot axis A₄ extends through the door bracket 32 such that thesecond hinge arm 36 pivots relative to the body bracket 30 with apivoting range represented by an angle α₄. The fourth pivot axis A₄ isdefined by a pivot pin P₄. The pivot pin P₄ extends through aperturesformed in the lower plate 32 b and mid-plate 32 c. Specifically, thepivot pin P₄ extends through the lower plate 32 b and mid-plate 32 c andis restrained against movement in an axial direction by, for example,fasteners or C-clips (not shown) in a conventional manner. As shown inFIG. 11, the pivoting range represented by the angle α₄ is approximately70 degrees. The actual pivoting ranges represented by the angles α₃ andα₄ can vary from vehicle to vehicle and hinge structure to hingestructure. However, in the depicted embodiment of the hinge structure20, the angles α₃ and α₄ when combined provide the hinge structure 20and the door 12 with an overall pivoting range of approximately 170degrees from the closed position of the door 12 to the open position ofthe door 12.

As is shown in FIGS. 6-9, the first hinge arm 34 and the second hingearm 36 have similar overall shapes and curvatures, with slightdifferences. Specifically, the first pivot axis A₁ and third pivot axisA₃ are spaced apart from one another and the second pivot axis A₂ andfourth pivot axis A₄ are spaced apart from one another. All four pivotaxes A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ are parallel to one another. A first distance D₁is defined between the first pivot axis A₁ and the third pivot axis A₃and a second distance D₂ is defined between the second and fourth pivotaxis A₂ and A₄. The first distance D₁ is greater than the seconddistance D₂.

The geometry of the first hinge arm 34 and the second hinge arm 36 andtheir respective pivot axes is such that with the hinge structure 20 inthe orientation shown in FIG. 6 (corresponding to the door 12 being inthe closed position in FIG. 1) the main portion 32 a of the door bracket32 is close to or approximately perpendicular to the lower and upperattachment flanges 30 a and 30 e of the body bracket 30. As the door 12is opened moving the door bracket 32 toward the position shown in FIG. 7and then FIG. 8 (corresponding approximately to the intermediateposition of the door 12 in FIG. 2), the main portion 32 a of the doorbracket 32 become approximately parallel to the lower and upperattachment flanges 30 a and 30 e of the body bracket 30. Finally, asshown in FIG. 9 (corresponding to the door 12 being fully opened asshown in FIG. 3) the main portion 32 a of the door bracket 32 is againapproximately perpendicular to the lower and upper attachment flanges 30a and 30 e of the body bracket 30, but is rotated approximately 170degrees from the orientation depicted in FIG. 6.

The optional primary check structure 38 is mechanism that permits thehinge structure 20 the door 12 to open and close. The optional primarycheck structure 38 is further configured and structured with a springloaded mechanism that serves to provide resistance to movement of thedoor 12 with the door in at least one open position and optionallyseveral open positions. The optional primary check structure 38 includesa shaft (not shown) that is attached to the pivot pin P₁ and a housingfixed to the body bracket 30. One example of the optional primary checkstructure 38 is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,103,938,issued Sep. 26, 2006 to Bruckner et al., and is incorporated herein byreference. The optional primary check structure 38 is not required withthe hinge structure 20 and is purely optional.

The optional primary check structure 38 serves as one means forretaining the door 12 in at least one open position. However, when thedoor 12 is fully open, as is shown in FIG. 3, additional means forretaining the door 12 in the fully open position may be necessary undercertain circumstances, such as parking on a hill, or in windy conditionswhere external forces may urge the door 12 into moving from the fullyopen position (FIG. 3) to the closed position (FIG. 1).

Consequently, the check structure 22 is provided on the hinge structure20 in order to maintain the door 12 in the fully open position in any ofa variety of circumstances. The check structure 22 is a structure thatrestricts movement of the hinge structure 20 and the door 12 when thedoor 12 is in the fully open position as shown in FIG. 3. When the door12 is in the fully open position shown in FIG. 3, the hinge structure 20is oriented as shown in FIG. 9. As is described in greater detail below,in order to move the door 12 to the fully open position, a vehicleoperator must use a predetermined level of force in order to put thedoor 12 in the fully open position. Similarly, the vehicle operator mustuse approximately the same predetermined level of force in order to movethe door 12 away from the fully open position (FIG. 3) to any otherposition of the door 12, such as the intermediate position of the door12 shown in FIG. 2.

The check structure 22 is now described with specific reference to FIG.13 thru 19. As shown in FIG. 13, the check structure 22 includes a clipmember 40 and a bracket pin 42. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the clip member40 having a main body 44, a clip portion 46 located at a first end 44 aof the main body 44, and a retention portion 48 located at a second end44 b of the main body 44. As shown in FIGS. 13, 18 and 19, clip member40 is installed to the first hinge arm 34 by inserting the retentionportion 48 completely through the clip aperture 34 f such that the mainbody 44 of the clip member 40 remains within the clip aperture 34 f andextends through the clip aperture 34 f. The clip portion 46 is thenpositioned on the first side 34 d of the hinge arm 34 and the retentionportion 48 is positioned on the second side 34 e of the hinge arm 34.

The retention portion 48 of the clip member 40 includes a pair of firstcompressible flanges 48 a and a pair of second compressible flanges 48b. The first and the second compressible flanges 48 a and 48 b extendfrom the second end 44 b of the main body 44 of the clip member 40toward the first end 44 a of the main body 44. Respective distal ends ofthe first and the second compressible flanges 48 a and 48 b face thesecond side 34 e of the first hinge arm 34 with the main body 44inserted into the clip aperture 34 f, thereby preventing the retentionportion 48 from passing through the clip aperture 34 f from the secondside 34 e of the first hinge arm 34 to the first side 34 d. The firstand the second compressible flanges 48 a and 48 b have respectivelengthwise extending surfaces that define an acute angle as relative toan adjacent one of the first and second side surfaces 44 e and 44 f ofthe main body 44 of the clip member 40.

The bracket pin 42 is fixedly attached to the door bracket 32 at alocation spaced apart from the second pivot axis A₂ such that the clipportion 46 of the clip member 40 engages the bracket pin 42 when thedoor bracket 20 is in a position corresponding to the fully openposition of the door 12. The bracket pin 42 is rigidly and fixedlyattached to both the mid-plate 32 c and the upper plate 32 d of the doorbracket 32. The main body 44 of the clip member 40 has a rectangularcross-sectional shape and the clip aperture 34 f of the first hinge arm34 has a corresponding rectangular shape. Further, the main body 44 andthe clip aperture 34 f are dimensioned to prevent rotation of the clipmember 44 with the main body 44 inserted into the clip aperture 34 f.

As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the main body 44 of the clip member 40 has atop surface 44 c, a bottom surface 44 d, a first side surface 44 e and asecond side surface 44 f. The top surface 44 c and the bottom surface 44d are substantially parallel to one another. The first side surface 44 eand the second side surface 44 f are substantially parallel to oneanother and perpendicular to the top and the bottom surfaces 44 c and 44d.

The clip portion 46 has a base 46 a, a first clip arm 46 b and a secondclip arm 46 c. The base 46 a has a width W₃ (FIG. 16) that is wider thanthe width W₂ of the clip aperture 34 f. With the clip member 40installed to the first hinge arm 34, the base 46 a is located adjacentthe first side 34 d of the first hinge arm 34. The first clip arm 46 band the second clip arm 46 c (a pair of clip arms) of the clip portion46 extend away from opposite edges of the base 46 a and extend away fromthe first hinge arm 34. However, the first clip arm 46 b and the secondclip arm 46 c extend away from the base 46 a and the main body 44 of theclip member 40 in directions that are non-parallel relative to alengthwise direction of the main body 44.

As shown in FIG. 16, the first clip arm 46 b and the second clip arm 46c have arcuate shapes and curve in directions toward the second end 34 cof the first hinge arm 34. More specifically, the first clip arm 46 b,curves outward from the base 46 a and toward the second end 34 c of thefirst hinge arm 34. The second clip arm 46 c has a first portion 46 c ₁that, like the first clip arm 46 b, curves outward from the base 46 aand toward the second end 34 c of the first hinge arm 34. However, anend portion 46 c ₂ of the second clip arm 46 c curves in a serpentinemanner curving outward away from the base 46 a, the first clip arm 46 band the first portion 46 c ₁. Thus, distal ends of the first clip arm 46b and the second clip arm 46 c diverge, extending away from one another.

As is shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, at a point where the arcuate portions ofthe first clip arm 46 b and the second clip arm 46 c are closest to oneanother, a gap G₁ is defined with a first distance L₁ being defined atthe gap G₁. Distal ends of the first clip arm 46 b and the second cliparm 46 c further define a gap G₂ with a second distance L₂ being definedtherebetween. Further, at the intersection of the first clip arm 46 band the second clip arm 46 c and the base 46 a, the first clip arm 46 band the second clip arm 46 c are spaced apart from one another by athird distance L₃. The second distance L₂ is greater than the first andthird distances L₁ and L₃. Further, the third distance L₃ is greaterthan the first distance L₁. As is shown in FIGS. 13, 18 and 19, the gapsG₁ and G₂ align with the bracket pin 42 as the hinge structure 20 movesthe door 12 to the fully open position. Further, the distal ends of thefirst clip arm 46 b and the second clip arm 46 c face the bracket pin 42as the hinge structure 20 moves the door 12 to the fully open position.

The bracket pin 42 has an outer surface that defines a diameter D₃. Asshown in FIGS. 13, 18 and 19, the diameter D₃ is larger than the firstdistance L₁ but smaller than the second distance L₂. Further, the thirddistance L₃ and the diameter D₃ are dimensioned such that with thebracket pin 42 located against the base 46 a of the clip portion 46between the first and second clip arms 46 b and 46 c, the first andsecond clip arms 46 b and 46 c snugly retain the bracket pin 42therebetween, as shown in FIG. 19. The clip member 40 is made of eithera metallic material or strong polymer materials such that the first andsecond clip arms 46 b and 46 c are resilient with some elasticity.Specifically, the first and second clip arms 46 b and 46 c elasticallymove away from one another when the bracket pin 42 is pushedtherebetween. However, the first and second clip arms 46 b and 46 c havesufficient biasing force to retain the bracket pin 42 therebetween andhold the door 12 in the fully open position (FIG. 3).

Hence, when the door 12 is moved to the fully open position (FIG. 3) thedoor bracket 32 is rotated in an arcuate path bringing the first andsecond clip arms 46 b and 46 c into contact with the bracket pin 42. Thevehicle operator moving the door 12 to the fully open position applies apredetermined amount of force to the door 12 thereby pushing the firstand second clip arms 46 b and 46 c such that they elastically move awayfrom each other due to contact with the bracket pin 42 and the bracketpin 42 is forced therebetween. In effect, the first and second clip arms46 b and 46 c snap-fit around the bracket pin 42. Once completely in thefully open position (FIG. 3), the first and second clip arms 46 b and 46c snugly retain the bracket pin 42 and hence retain the door 12 in thefully open position (FIG. 3). In order to move the door 12 out of thefully open position, the door 12 is pulled with a predetermined amountof force, thereby pulling the first and second clip arms 46 b and 46 caway from the bracket pin 42.

The check structure 22 is advantageous in that it prevents the door 12from moving away from the fully open position by, for example, excessiveamounts of wind urging the door 12 to move, or gravity, when the vehicle10 is parked on a slope or hill where gravity might otherwise urge thedoor 12 to close. It should be understood from the drawings and thedescription herein that the clip member 40 of the check structure 22 canbe made of any of a variety of materials and be re-dimensioned in orderto exert sufficient force to the bracket pin 42 in order to retain thedoor 12 in the fully open position.

Second Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, a hinge structure 120 having the checkstructure 22 in accordance with a second embodiment will now beexplained. In view of the similarity between the first and secondembodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

In the second embodiment, the hinge structure 20 is replaced with thehinge structure 120. The hinge structure 120 is provided with the checkstructure 22 as described above with respect to the first embodiment.

The hinge structure 120 includes a body bracket 130 and a hinge arm 134.The body bracket 130 includes a pivot pin P₅ such that the hinge arm 134pivots relative to the body bracket 130 about the pivot pin P₅. Thehinge arm 134 is formed integrally with a door bracket portion 132 as asingle, unitary, monolithic element. The body bracket 130 is configuredto attach to the vehicle 10 and the door bracket portion 132 isconfigured to attach to the door 12 in a manner similar to the hingestructure 20 of the first embodiment. However, as discussed above, thehinge structure 20 of the first embodiment is configured to support thedoor 12 for pivoting movement along a 170 degree movement path. In thesecond embodiment, the hinge structure 120 is configured to support thedoor 12 for pivoting movement along a movement path that is less than170 degrees, for example, 90 degrees.

The check structure 22 includes the clip member 40 and the bracket pin42, as described above. However, in the second embodiment, the bracketpin 42 is fixed to the body bracket 130 and the clip member 40 isinstalled into a clip aperture formed in the hinge arm 134 adjacent tothe body bracket 130. The function of the check structure 22 isidentical to the usage in the first embodiment, except that a differenthinge structure is provided with the check structure 22.

Third Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 22-30, a hinge structure 20′ having acompressible check structure 122 in accordance with a third embodimentwill now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first andthird embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identicalto the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The hinge structure 20′ of the third embodiment is identical to thehinge structure 20 of the first embodiment, except that the checkstructure 22 is removed and replaced with the compressible checkstructure 122. Specifically, both the clip member 40 and the bracket pin42 are removed from the hinge structure 20 and replaced with thecompressible check structure 122.

More specifically, the hinge structure 20′ includes the body bracket 30,the door bracket 32, the first hinge arm 34, the second hinge arm 36 and(optionally) the primary check structure 38, as described above withrespect to the first embodiment, except that the check structure 22 isremoved or omitted. Since the body bracket 30, the door bracket 32, thefirst hinge arm 34 and the second hinge arm 36 include all of thestructures and features described in the first embodiment, descriptionof these elements for the third embodiment is omitted for the sake ofbrevity.

The compressible check structure 122 basically includes a stop surface30 h (see FIGS. 11, 12, 22 and 28-30) formed on the support portion 30 fof the body bracket 30, a movement limiting surface 36 i defined alongan underside of the second hinge arm 36 and a compressible member 140.The compressible member 140 has a main body 144, a compressible portion146 and a retention portion 148.

Further, in the third embodiment, the lower plate 30 b of the bodybracket 30 includes an aperture 30 i, as shown in FIG. 23. Thecompressible member 140 is fixed to the lower plate 30 b by theinstallation of the main body 144 into the aperture 30 i. Onceinstalled, the retention portion 148 is located on a lower surface ofthe lower plate 30 b of the body bracket 30 and the compressible portion146 is located along an upper surface of the lower plate 30 b of thebody bracket 30.

The main body 144 has a rectangular cross-section, and the aperture 30 ihas a corresponding rectangular shape. Further, the main body 144 andthe aperture 30 i are dimensioned to prevent rotation of thecompressible member 140 with the main body 144 inserted into theaperture 30 i.

The compressible member 140, and in particular, the compressible portion146 of the compressible member 140, is made of an elastic material suchthat contact between the compressible portion 146 and the movementlimiting surface 36 i of the hinge arm 36 during movement of the hingearm 36 generates friction therebetween.

The compressible portion 146 of the compressible member 140 is locatedon the body bracket 30 at a location that is adjacent to but spacedapart from the stop surface 30 h of the body bracket 30 j. Specifically,the compressible portion 146 is spaced apart from the stop surface 30 hby a distance D₄, as shown in FIG. 28. Further, the compressible portion146 extends upward from the upper surface of the lower plate 30 b in anuncompressed state by a distance D₅, as is also shown in FIG. 28. Inother words, the compressible portion 146 has a height in anuncompressed state that is equal to the distance D₅, as is also shown inFIG. 28.

As shown in FIGS. 28-30, when pivoting about the third axis A₃, thesecond hinge arm 36 moves in directions parallel to the lower plate 30b. During the pivoting movement of the second hinge arm 36, the secondhinge arm 36 is spaced apart from the lower plate 30 b of the bodybracket 30 by a distance D₆, as shown in FIG. 28. The distance D₆ isless than the distance D₅. Consequently, when the second hinge arm 36moves over the compressible portion 146 of the compressible member 140,the movement limiting surface 36 i contacts the compressible portion 146compressing the compressible portion 146, as shown in FIG. 29, anddescribed in greater detail below.

The retention portion 148 includes compressible flanges that areessentially the same as the first compressible flanges 48 a and thesecond compressible flanges 48 b described above with respect to thefirst embodiment. Since the dimensions, purpose and function of thecompressible flanges of the retention portion 148 are basically the sameas or identical to dimensions, purpose and function of the firstcompressible flanges 48 a and the second compressible flanges 48 b ofthe clip member 40 of the first embodiment, further description isomitted for the sake of brevity.

As shown in FIGS. 28-30, when the second hinge arm 36 (and hence thedoor 12) is moved from the intermediate position (FIG. 2) to the fullyopen position (FIG. 3), the movement limiting surface 36 i of the secondhinge arm 36 contacts and compresses the compressible portion 146. Asmentioned above and shown in FIG. 28, the movement limiting surface 36 iis spaced apart from the lower plate 30 b by the distance D₆, which issmaller than the height (the distance D₅) of the compressible portion146. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 29, contact between the movementlimiting surface 36 i and the compressible portion 146 compresses thecompressible portion 146. This contact generates friction between thecompressible member 140 and the second hinge arm 36, requiring a vehicleoperator to apply additional force on the hinge structure 20′ (and thedoor 12) in order to move the second hinge arm 36 over the compressibleportion 146. Therefore, once the second hinge arm 36 is moved to theposition shown in FIG. 30, the compressible portion 146 decompresses tothe height (distance D₅) and retains the second hinge arm 36 in thedepicted position (corresponding to the fully open position of the door12 in FIG. 3). The second hinge arm 36 and hence the door 12 is retainedin the fully open position with the second hinge arm 36 in the positionshown in FIG. 30 until the movement described above is reversed whilesufficient force is applied to the door 12 and the hinge structure 20′to overcome the friction forces generated by movement of the secondhinge arm 36 back to the position shown in FIG. 28.

The second hinge arm 36 has a width that is equal to the distance D₇, asshown in FIG. 28. The distance D₇ is approximately equal to or slightlyless than the distance D₄ between the stop surface 30 h and thecompressible member 140. Therefore, when the second hinge arm 36 ispositioned within the space or gap between the stop surface 30 h and thecompressible member 140, the second hinge arm 36 and hence the hingestructure 20′ and the door 12 are snuggly retained in the fully openposition (FIG. 3).

The compressible check structure 122 provides essentially the samefunction and benefits to the hinge structure 20′ as the check structure22 provides to the hinge structure 20 of the first embodiment. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 28-30, the compressible member 140 has rampedleading surface 140 a and ramped trailing surface 140 b. There is agradual increase in resistance to movement as the second hinge arm 36contacts the ramped leading surface 140 a a begins to compress thecompressible member 140. Similarly, there is a gradual decrease ofresistance to movement as the second hinge arm 36 moves along theramping trailing surface 140 b. This gives the effect similar to moreconventional check structures.

Fourth Embodiment

Referring now to FIGS. 31-33, the hinge structure 20′ of the thirdembodiment is modified to include a second compressible member 140′ inaccordance with a fourth embodiment.

Basically, the hinge structure 20′ is exactly as described above withrespect to the third embodiment, except that a second compressiblemember 140′ has been added to the second hinge arm 36, as shown in FIGS.31-33. The second compressible member 140′ includes a main body 144′, acompressible portion 146′ and a retention portion 148′ that areidentical to the main body 144, the compressible portion 146 and theretention portion 148 described above with respect to the thirdembodiment. However, the second compressible member 140′ is spaced apartfrom the compressible member 140 thereby providing a retention locationthat is separate and distinct from the fully open position of the door12 represented in FIG. 33. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 32, the secondhinge arm 36 can be retained in the retention location defined betweenthe compressible member 140 and the second compressible member 140′.

Fifth Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 34, a hinge structure 20″ in accordance with afifth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the second and fifth embodiments, the parts of the fifthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the second embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the secondembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the fifthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the second embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the fifth embodimentthat differ from the parts of the second embodiment will be indicatedwith a double prime (″).

In the fifth embodiment, the hinge structure 20″ is identical to thehinge structure 20 of the first embodiment, except that the checkstructure 22 has been removed and a compression check structure 122″ hasbeen added. Specifically, the compression check structure 122″ includesthe compression member 140 as described above with respect the thirdembodiment. The compression member 140 has been installed to the doorbracket 32 for compressive contact with the second hinge arm 36. Contactbetween the second hinge arm 36 and the compression member 140 providesessentially the same effects and function of the compressible checkstructure 122 of the third embodiment. Alternatively, a compressionmember 140 a′ (shown in phantom in FIG. 34) can be installed to the doorbracket 32 for compressive contact with the first hinge arm 34. Further,the compression member 140 a′ can be installed to the door bracket 32for compressive contact with an upper surface of the first hinge arm 34.It should be understood that one or more of the compression member 140and/or the compression member 140 a′ can be installed to the doorbracket 32 and any of a variety of locations to contact one of the firsthinge arm 34, the second hinge arm 36 or both the first and second hingearms 34 and 36.

Sixth Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 35, a hinge structure 120′ in accordance with asixth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and sixth embodiments, the parts of the sixthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the seventhembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the sixth embodimentthat differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicatedwith a single prime (′)

In the sixth embodiment, the hinge structure 120 according to the secondembodiment is modified thereby defining the hinge structure 120′.Specifically, the hinge structure 120′ includes the compressible checkstructure 122 of the third embodiment. Specifically, the compressiblemember 140 is installed to the body bracket 130 for contact with thehinge arm 134 provides essentially the same effects and function of thecompressible check structure 122 as described above with respect to thethird embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 36-42, a hinge structure 120″ in accordance with aseventh embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first, second and seventh embodiments, the parts of theseventh embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first andsecond embodiments will be given the same reference numerals as theparts of the first or second embodiments. Moreover, the descriptions ofthe parts of the seventh embodiment that are identical to the parts ofthe first or second embodiments may be omitted for the sake of brevity.The parts of the seventh embodiment that differ from the parts of thefirst and second embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′)or a double prime (″).

In the seventh embodiment, the hinge structure 120 of the secondembodiment is modified thereby defining the hinge structure 120″.Specifically, the hinge structure 120 is modified by the removal of thecheck structure 22 and the hinge structure 120″ is provided with ahydraulic check structure 222. Further, the hinge structure 120″ isinstalled to the vehicle 10 and the door 12, supporting the door 12during pivoting movement between the closed position and the openpositions of the door 12.

The hinge structure 120″ includes the above described body bracket 130and the hinge arm 134. The body bracket 130 includes a pivot pin P₆ asshown in FIG. 38. The hinge arm 134 is fixedly attached to the pivot pinP₆ such that both the hinge arm 134 and the pivot pin P₆ can rotate orpivot relative to the body bracket 130 about a pivot axis A₆. The hingearm 134 is formed integrally with a door bracket portion 132 as asingle, unitary, monolithic element. The body bracket 130 is configuredto attach to the vehicle 10 and the door bracket portion 132 isconfigured to attach to the door 12 in a manner similar to the hingestructure 20 of the first embodiment. However, as discussed above, thehinge structure 20 of the first embodiment is configured to support thedoor 12 for pivoting movement along a 170 degree movement path. In thesecond and seventh embodiments, the hinge structure 120 is configured tosupport the door 12 for pivoting movement along a movement path that isless than 170 degrees, for example, 90 degrees.

The check structure 222 includes a case 250, a shaft 252, a top seal254, a cap 256, a lower seal 258 and a base plate 260.

The case 250 is a cylindrically shaped member non-movably attached viathe base plate 260 to the body bracket 130 such that the case 250 doesnot pivot or rotate relative to the body bracket 130. More specifically,the case 250 and/or the base plate 260 can be mechanically fastened tothe body bracket 130 or can be welded or otherwise rigidly fixed to thebody bracket 130 in a conventional manner. The case 250 has acylindrically shaped inner surface 250 a that defines a fluid chamberwithin the case 250. The case 250 includes a wall portion 250 b that isrigidly fixed to the cylindrically shaped inner surface 250 a andextends radially inward to the pivot shaft 252. A radially inner edge250 c of the wall portion 250 b can include a seal (not shown) or can befinely machined to contact the shaft 252 creating a fluid sealtherebetween. Specifically, the shaft 252 rotates relative to the case250 and the wall portion 250 b. However, hydraulic fluid within the case250 is prevented from passing between the radially inner edge 250 c andthe shaft 252.

The wall portion 250 b is a rectangular shaped structural element thatis rigidly and non-movably attached to the inner surface 250 a of thecase 250.

The shaft 252 includes a paddle 252 a having fluid apertures 252 b and alower shaft portion 252 c. The paddle 252 a is rigidly fixed to theshaft 252 and pivots with the shaft 252. The fluid apertures 252 bextend from a first side 252 d to a second side 252 e of the paddle 252a. The fluid apertures 252 b are dimensioned to limit flow of hydraulicfluid from one of the first and second sides 252 d and 252 e to theother of the first and second sides 252 d and 252 e as is explained ingreater detail below. A radially outer most edge 252 g can include aseal (not shown) or can be finely machined to contact the cylindricallyshaped inner surface 250 a of the case 250 creating a fluid sealtherebetween.

The lower shaft portion 252 c is configured to pivot with the pivot pinP₆ and the hinge arm 134. For example, the lower shaft portion 252 c canbe integrally formed with the pivot pin P₆ of the hinge structure 120″as a single monolithic shaft or pin, or alternatively can be providedwith interlocking surfaces that connect the two together such that lowershaft portion 252 c and the pivot pin P₆ are fixedly connected to oneanother. Further, the shaft 252 and the pivot pin P₆ are supported forpivoting movement relative to the case 250 and relative to the bodybracket 130. Rather, the shaft 252 and the pivot pin P₆ are fixed to orotherwise mechanically fastened to the hinge arm 134 for pivotingmovement therewith. The door bracket 132 being fixed to, for example,the door 12 pivots about the axis A₆ and causes corresponding movementof the paddle 252 a while the casing 250 remains stationary beingnon-movably fixed to the body bracket 130.

The cap 252 defines a shaft support structure that supports an upper endof the shaft 252 in a conventional manner. Specifically, the cap 252 caninclude a bushing or bearing (not shown) that supports the shaft 252 forpivoting movement with respect thereto.

The cap 256 and the base plate 260 are configured to rigidly and fixedlyattach to the case 250 in a conventional manner, such as mechanicalthreads or other conventional mechanical attachment structure. The topseal 254 is interposed between the cap 256 and the upper end of the case250 thereby sealing the upper end of the case 250. Similarly, the lowerseal 258 is interposed between the base plate 260 and the lower end ofthe case 250 thereby sealing the lower end of the case 250.

The base plate 260 includes a shaft opening that defines a bushing andreceives the lower shaft portion 252 c thereby defining another shaftsupport structure. The base plate 260 also includes a projection 260 athat is described in greater detail below. It should be understood fromthe drawings and the description herein that the case 250 can beconstructed with the cap 256 as an integral part thereof, therebyeliminating the need for the top seal 254.

When fully assembled and installed to the body bracket 130 of the hingestructure 120″, the case 250 is sealed and filled with hydraulic fluid.The wall portion 250 b, as described above, is shaped and dimensionedrelative to the fluid chamber defined by the case 250 is such thathydraulic fluid is prevented from moving from a first side of the wallportion 250 b to a second side of the wall portion 250 b. Consequentlywhen there is pivoting movement of the shaft 252 within the case 250,the hydraulic fluid is forced to move through the fluid apertures 252 bfrom one of the first side 252 d and the second side 252 e of the paddle252 a to the other of the first side 252 d and the second side 252 e ofthe paddle 252. Therefore, force is required to pivot the shaft 252 inorder to overcome the resistance to fluid flow provided by the paddle252. Since the shaft 252 is fixed to the pivot pin P₆, the pivot pin P₆is fixed to the hinge arm 134 and the door bracket 132, and the doorbracket 132 is fixed to the door 12, the check structure 222 providesresistance to movement of the door 12 from any and all movementpositions. Hence, the check structure 222 is an infinite check structurein that it provides a constant resistance to movement regardless of thelocation of the door 12, whether open partially open or fully open.

The amount of resistance to movement of the door 12 via the checkstructure 222 depends is part upon the type of hydraulic fluid usedwithin the case 250 and the number and overall dimensions of the fluidapertures 252 b. For a vehicle having a large heavy door mounted to thehinge structure 120″, a larger size and/or larger number fluid apertures252 b are necessary. For a smaller door mounted to the hinge structure120″, a smaller diameter and/or smaller number fluid apertures 252 b arenecessary.

The projection 260 a of the base plate 260 is a stop flange that extendsinto the hydraulic chamber and defines a stop surface that contacts thepaddle 252 a as shown in FIG. 40. Specifically, the projection 260 alimits pivotal movement of the pivot shaft 252 and the paddle 252 a dueto contact between the paddle 252 a and the projection 260 a.

Since fluid is prevented from moving around the wall portion 250 b (froma first side of the wall portion 250 b to a second side of the wallportion 250 b) pivoting movement of the shaft 252 and the paddle 252 aforces the hydraulic fluid to move through the fluid apertures 252 bfrom one of the first and second sides 252 d and 252 e of the paddle 252a to the other of the first and second sides 252 d and 252 e of thepaddle 252 a.

When the paddle 252 a is in contact with the projection 260 a, as shownin FIG. 40, the shaft 252 is prevented from moving in the counterclockwise direction because the projection 260 a serves as a stopsurface. Therefore, the projection 260 a defines a limiter restrictingpivoting movement of the paddle 252 a, the shaft 252, and the door 12.With the door 12 installed to the hinge structure 120″, the position ofthe paddle 252 a in FIG. 40 corresponds to the door 12 being in a fullyopen position, as shown in FIG. 3.

In order to move the door 12 away from the fully open position, forcemust be applied to the door 12 (and the hinge structure 120″) in orderto force the fluid on the second side 252 e of the paddle 252 a to movethrough the fluid apertures 252 b to the first side 252 d of the paddle252 a. The fluid pressure built up on the second side 252 e of thepaddle 252 a forces the hydraulic fluid within the case 250 to movethrough the fluid apertures 252 b. As the hydraulic fluid moves, thepaddle 252 a, the hinge arm 134 and the door 12 will move away from thefully open position to, for example, the intermediate open positionshown in FIG. 2 and corresponding to the position of the paddle 252 ashown in FIG. 41. Further movement of the door 12, the hinge structure120″, the shaft 252 and the paddle 252 a continues to force hydraulicfluid through the fluid apertures 252 b until the door 12 closes, asshown in FIG. 1, and with the paddle 252 a moved to the position shownin FIG. 42.

Once the door 12 is moved to a desired position, with the shaft 252 andthe paddle 252 a being stationary relative to the case 250, equilibriumof fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the first side 252 d and thesecond side 252 e of the paddle 252 a imparts a resistance to pivotingmovement of the shaft 252 (and the door 12) relative to the case 250,the body bracket 130 and the vehicle 10.

In FIG. 42, the wall portion 250 b serves as another stop surface thatprevents further movement of the paddle 252 a and the shaft 252.Consequently positioning of the base plate 260 and the projection 260 arelative to the case 250 and the wall portion 250 b of the case 250provides a means for adjusting the total angle of pivoting movement ofcheck structure 222 relative to the hinge structure 120″. For example,in the depicted embodiment, and in particular FIGS. 40-41, the checkstructure 222 is adjusted to operate with a hinge structure that has anoverall pivoting range of approximately 90 degrees. The relativepositions of the projection 260 a and the wall portion 250 b can bechanged by repositioning the base plate 260 relative to the case 250 fora hinge structure that has an overall pivoting range of approximately170 degrees, or any pivoting range.

In the seventh embodiment, the check structure 222 is located at anupper side of the body bracket 130. However, in should be understoodthat the check structure 222 can be installed to any of a variety oflocations and can be used with any of a variety of hinge structures. Forexample, the check structure 222 can be installed to the hinge structure20 shown in FIGS. 3-19 replacing the optional primary check structure38. Further the check structure 222 can be installed to the hingestructure 120 depicted in FIGS. 20 and 21.

In modification to the seventh embodiment, the stop projection 260 a canalternatively be formed with or fixed to a portion of the cylindricallyshaped inner surface 250 a of the case 250. Such a stop projection onthe cylindrically shaped inner surface 250 a of the case 250 has thesame effect as the stop projection 260 a described above.

Eighth Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 43, a hinge structure 220 in accordance with aneighth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the first and eighth embodiments, the parts of the eighthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment willbe given the same reference numerals as the parts of the firstembodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the eighthembodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment maybe omitted for the sake of brevity.

The hinge structure 220 includes a first bracket 230 and a hinge arm 234that includes an integrally formed second bracket. One of the firstbracket 230 and the second bracket is a door bracket and the other is abody bracket. The hinge arm 234 pivots relative to the first bracket230. The check structure 222 (the hydraulic check structure of theseventh embodiment) is installed to the hinge structure 220 along anupper portion of the hinge arm 234. The case 250 of the check structure222 is non-movably fixed to the hinge arm 234. The shaft 252 and paddle252 a of the check structure 222 are fixed to the pivot pin (not shown)of the hinge structure 220 for pivoting movement with the first bracket230. Operation of the check structure 222 is identical to that describedabove with respect to the seventh embodiment, except that the overallpivoting range of the check structure 222 is adjusted to the overallpivoting range of the hinge structure 220, which can be, for example,anywhere between 60 degrees up to 120 degrees or any angle therebetween.

Nine Embodiment

Referring now to FIG. 44, a hinge structure 220′ in accordance with anninth embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similaritybetween the above described embodiments and ninth embodiments, the partsof the ninth embodiment that are identical to the parts of the abovedescribed embodiments will be given the same reference numerals as theparts of the above described embodiments. Moreover, the descriptions ofthe parts of the ninth embodiment that are identical to the parts of theabove described embodiments may be omitted for the sake of brevity. Theparts of the ninth embodiment that differ from the parts of the abovedescribed embodiments will be indicated with a single prime (′).

The hinge structure 220′ is identical to the hinge structure 220 of theeighth embodiment except that the location of the check structure 222has changed. The hinge structure 220′ includes the first bracket 230 andthe hinge arm 234 of the eighth embodiment. However, the check structure222′ (the hydraulic check structure) is installed to the hinge structure220′ between upper and lower plates of the first bracket 230. The case250′ of the check structure 222′ is non-movably fixed to one or both ofthe upper plate and the lower plate of the first bracket 230. The shaft252 and paddle 252 a of the check structure 222 are fixed to the pivotpin (not shown) of the hinge structure 220′ for pivoting movement withthe hinge arm 234. Operation of the check structure 222′ is identical tothat described above.

The various vehicle parts and structural elements are conventionalcomponents that are well known in the art. Since vehicle parts andelements are well known in the art, these structures will not bediscussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparentto those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the components canbe any type of structure and/or programming that can be used to carryout the present invention.

GENERAL INTERPRETATION OF TERMS

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiments, the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle door checkstructure. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the presentinvention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with thevehicle door check structure.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes mechanical features constructed to carry outthe desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting eachother can have intermediate structures disposed between them. Thefunctions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. Thestructures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in anotherembodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in aparticular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is uniquefrom the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, alsoshould be considered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle door hinge structure comprising: afirst bracket having a first surface that extends in a first directionand a stop surface extending in a second direction transverse to thefirst direction; a hinge arm having a first end, a second end and a bodyportion extending from the first end to the second end, the first endbeing attached to the first bracket for pivoting movement about a firstpivot axis that extends through the first surface of the first bracketsuch that the hinge arm pivots relative to the first bracket from afirst position to a second position, the body portion of the hinge armhaving a movement limiting surface that is spaced apart from the firstsurface by a first predetermined distance; a second bracket attached tothe second end of the hinge arm for pivoting movement about a secondpivot axis that extends through the second bracket and the second end ofthe hinge arm, the second bracket pivoting relative to the second end ofthe hinge arm; and a compressible check structure fixed in positionalong a portion of the first surface of the first bracket, thecompressible check structure being adjacent to and spaced apart from thestop surface of the first bracket, the compressible check structureextending away from the first surface in an uncompressed state by asecond predetermined distance that is greater than the firstpredetermined distance, the movement limiting surface the hinge armcontacting and compressing the compressible check structure during aportion of movement of the hinge arm between the first position and thesecond position.
 2. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim1, wherein the compressible check structure is made of an elasticmaterial such that contact between the compressible check structure andthe movement limiting surface of the hinge arm during movement of thehinge arm between the first position and the second position generatesfriction therebetween.
 3. The vehicle door hinge structure according toclaim 1, wherein the compressible check structure is spaced apart fromthe stop surface of the first bracket such that a gap is defined betweenthe stop surface and the compressible check structure, and with themovement limiting surface of the hinge arm being disposed within thegap, the hinge arm is in the second position.
 4. The vehicle door hingestructure according to claim 3, wherein the gap has a first overalllength measured from the edge of the compressible check structure to thestop surface, and the movement limiting surface of the hinge arm has afirst width measured in a widthwise direction of the hinge arm, thefirst overall length and the first width being approximately equal. 5.The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein the firstsurface of the first bracket defines an aperture that extends from thefirst surface to a second surface of the first bracket opposite thefirst surface, and the compressible check structure includes a mainbody, a compressible portion located at a first end of the main body,and a retention portion located at a second end of the main body, themain body of the compressible check structure extending through theaperture of the first bracket, the compressible portion being locatedalong the first surface of the first bracket surrounding the apertureand the retention portion facing the second side of the first bracket.6. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim 5, wherein themain body of the compressible check structure has a rectangularcross-section, and the aperture of the first bracket has a correspondingrectangular shape, the main body and the aperture being dimensioned toprevent rotation of the compressible check structure with the main bodyinserted into the aperture.
 7. The vehicle door hinge structureaccording to claim 6, wherein the main body of the compressible checkstructure has a first side surface and a second side surfacesubstantially parallel to one another, a third side surface and a fourthside surface substantially parallel to one another and perpendicular tothe first and the second side surfaces, and the retention portion of thecompressible check structure includes a first compressible flange and asecond compressible flange, the first and the second compressibleflanges extending from the second end of the main body of thecompressible check structure toward the first end of the main body, withrespective distal ends of the first and the second compressible flangesfacing the second side of the first bracket with the main body insertedinto the aperture preventing the retention portion from passing throughthe aperture from the second side of the first bracket to the first sideof the first bracket.
 8. The vehicle door hinge structure according toclaim 7, wherein the first compressible flange extends adjacent to thefirst side surface of the main body and the second compressible flangeextends adjacent to the second side surface, a lengthwise extendingsurface of the first compressible flange and the first side surface ofthe main body defining an acute angle therebetween and a lengthwiseextending surface of the second compressible flange and the second sidesurface of the main body defining an acute angle therebetween.
 9. Thevehicle door hinge structure according to claim 5, wherein thecompressible portion has a base that is wider than a width of theaperture and is located adjacent the first side of the first bracketwith the main body inserted into the aperture.
 10. The vehicle doorhinge structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of afirst side of the hinge arm faces the stop surface of the first bracket.11. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein thehinge arm comprises a first gooseneck member and a second gooseneckmember, the first gooseneck member defining the first end and the secondend of the hinge arm, the second gooseneck member having a first end anda second end, the first end being attached to the first bracket forpivotal movement about a third pivot axis that extends through the firstsurface of the first bracket such that the second gooseneck memberpivots about the third pivot axis relative to the first bracket from afirst position to a second position, and the second bracket is attachedto the second end of the second gooseneck member for pivotal movementabout a fourth pivot axis that extends through the second bracket, thesecond bracket pivoting about the fourth pivot axis relative to thesecond end of the second gooseneck member, the first pivot axis and thethird pivot axis being spaced apart from one another and parallel to oneanother, and the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis beingspaced apart from one another and parallel to one another.
 12. Thevehicle door hinge structure according to claim 1, wherein the firstbracket is a body bracket configured to attach to a vehicle bodystructure and the second bracket is a door bracket configured to attachto a vehicle door.
 13. A vehicle comprising: a body structure defining adoor opening; a door bracket rigidly attached to the body structure andhaving a first surface that extends in a first direction and a stopsurface extending in a second direction transverse to the firstdirection; a hinge arm having a first end, a second end and a bodyportion extending from the first end to the second end, the first endbeing attached to the first bracket for pivoting movement about a firstpivot axis that extends through the first surface of the door bracketsuch that the hinge arm pivots relative to the door bracket from a firstposition to a second position, the body portion of the hinge arm havinga movement limiting surface that is spaced apart from the first surfaceby a first predetermined distance; a door attached to the second end ofthe hinge arm for pivoting movement about a second pivot axis thatextends through the door and the second end of the hinge arm, the doorpivoting relative to the second end of the hinge arm from a closedposition covering the door opening to an open position exposing the dooropening; and a compressible check structure fixed in position along aportion of the first surface of the door bracket, the compressible checkstructure being adjacent to and spaced apart from the stop surface ofthe door bracket, the compressible check structure extending away fromthe first surface in an uncompressed state by a second predetermineddistance that is greater than the first predetermined distance, themovement limiting surface the hinge arm contacting and compressing thecompressible check structure during a portion of movement of the hingearm between the first position and the second position.
 14. The vehicledoor hinge structure according to claim 13, wherein the compressiblecheck structure is made of an elastic material such that contact betweenthe compressible check structure and the movement limiting surface ofthe hinge arm during movement of the hinge arm between the firstposition and the second position generates friction therebetween. 15.The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim 13, wherein thecompressible check structure is spaced apart from the stop surface ofthe door bracket such that a gap is defined between the stop surface andthe compressible check structure, and with the movement limiting surfaceof the hinge arm being disposed within the gap, the hinge arm is in thesecond position.
 16. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim15, wherein the gap has a first overall length measured from the edge ofthe compressible check structure to the stop surface, and the movementlimiting surface of the hinge arm has a first width measured in awidthwise direction of the hinge arm, the first overall length and thefirst width being approximately equal.
 17. The vehicle door hingestructure according to claim 14, wherein the first surface of the doorbracket defines a aperture that extends from the first surface to asecond surface of the door bracket opposite the first surface, and thecompressible check structure includes a main body, a compressibleportion located at a first end of the main body, and a retention portionlocated at a second end of the main body, the main body extendingthrough the aperture of the door bracket, the compressible portion beinglocated along the first surface of the door bracket surrounding theaperture and the retention portion being positioned on the second sideof the hinge arm
 18. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim17, wherein the main body of the compressible check structure has arectangular cross-section, and the aperture of the door bracket has acorresponding rectangular shape, the main body and the aperture beingdimensioned to prevent rotation of the compressible check structure withthe main body inserted into the aperture, and the retention portionincludes a plurality of snap-fitting flanges that engage the secondsurface of the door bracket with the main body inserted into theaperture.
 19. The vehicle door hinge structure according to claim 13,wherein the hinge arm comprises a first gooseneck member and a secondgooseneck member, the first gooseneck member defining the first end andthe second end of the hinge arm, the second gooseneck member having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to the doorbracket for pivotal movement about a third pivot axis that extendsthrough the first surface of the door bracket such that the secondgooseneck member pivots about the third pivot axis relative to the doorbracket from a first position to a second position, and the door isattached to the second end of the second gooseneck member for pivotalmovement about a fourth pivot axis, the door pivoting about the fourthaxis relative to the second end of the second gooseneck member from theclosed position to the open position.
 20. The vehicle door hingestructure according to claim 13, wherein the first pivot axis and thethird axis are spaced apart from one another and are parallel to oneanother, and the second pivot axis and the fourth pivot axis are spacedapart from one another and are parallel to one another.